| : Itching: Depending upon the type of solution used, you may experience mild itching along the vein route. This itching normally lasts one 1 -2 hours but may persist for a day or so.
:: Bruising: Lasts from one to several weeks. Use of support hose may be recommended and avoidance of alcohol and anticoagulant medication for 72 hours prior to each treatment session may minimize effect.
:: Transient Hyperpigmentation: Approximately ten percent (10%) of the patients who undergo sclerotherapy notice a discoloration of light brown streaks after treatment. In almost every patient, the veins become darker immediately after the procedure (but then go away). In rare instances, this darkening of the vein may persist for 4 -12 months.
:: Pain: A few patients may experience moderate to severe pain and some bruising, usually at the site of the injection. The veins may be tender to the touch after treatment and an uncomfortable sensation may run along the vein route. This pain is usually temporary, in most cases lasting 1 to at most 7 days.
:: Sloughing: Sloughing occurs in less than one percent (1%) of the patients who receives Sclerotherapy. Sloughing consists of a small ulceration at the injection site, which heals slowly over 1 to 2 months. A blister may form, open and become ulcerated. The scar that follows should return to a normal color. This usually represents injection into or near a small artery and is not preventable.
:: Allergic Reactions: Very rarely a patient may have an allergic reaction to the sclerosing agent used. The risk of an allergic reaction is greater in patients who have a history of allergies.
:: Blood accumulation in treated vessel: This may present as a tender bump at a treatment site. The use of prescribed compression hosiery will minimize this possibility. (especially when treating Reticular Veins)
:: Telanglectatic Matting: This term refers to the development of tiny new blood vessels in the treated area. This temporary phenomenon occurs 2 to 4 weeks after treatment and usually resolves within 4 to 6 months. It occurs in up to eighteen percent (18%) of women on estrogen therapy and in two percent (2%) to four percent (4%) of all patients.
:: Ankle Swelling: Ankle swelling may occur after treatment of blood vessels in the foot or ankle. It usually resolves in a few days and is lessened by wearing the prescribed support stockings.
:: Phlebitis: Phlebitis is a very rare complication seen in approximately 1 out of every one thousand (1,000 patients treated for varicose veins greater than 3 to 4 millimeters in diameter. The possible dangers of phlebitis include a pulmonary embolus or blood clot, which travels to the lungs and post-phlebitis syndrome, which can result in permanent swelling of the legs. What are the possible complications if I do not have Sclerotherapy?
In cases of large varicose veins, greater than 3 to 4 mm in diameter, spontaneous phlebitis (infection/ inflammation around the vein) and/or thrombosis (clotting) may occur with the associated risk of pulmonary emboli (blood clot in the lungs). Additionally large skin ulcerations (sores) may develop in the ankle region of patients with long-standing varicose veins with underlying venous insufficiency (poor circulation). Rarely, these ulcers may bleed or become cancerous. Are there other procedures to treat varicose veins and telanglectasias? What are their side effects?
Because varicose and telanglectatic leg veins are not life-threatening conditions, treatment is not mandatory in every patient. Some patents may get adequate relief of symptoms from wearing graduated support stockings. Ambulatory Phlebectomy is a procedure where certain types of veins can be removed through small surgical incisions. The complications of this procedure are similar to Sclerotherapy with the addition of small surgical scars.
Vein stripping and/or ligation may also be utilized to treat large varicose veins. This may require a hospital stay and is performed while the patient is under general anesthesia. Risks of vein stripping and/or ligation include permanent nerve paralysis in up to thirty percent (30%) of patients, possible pulmonary emboli, infection, and permanent scarring. General anesthesia has some associated serious risks, including paralysis, brain damage, and death.
Large veins can also be removed with new lasers (endovenous laser ablation) which we now provide at the Wembley Clinic in Cape Town is very successful. Other types of procedure to treat fine veins/ spider veins/ telangiectasias?
Laser and Filtered Flash-Lamp therapies can be utilized to treat small spider veins less than 1mm in size, which are more difficult to treat with conventional Sclerotherapy injections.
Various types of lasers are used for these ranging form IPL, Yag, KTP, etc.
Laser treatments are very successful for the very fine veins and is ideal for areas where sclerotherapy is too risky (ankles and feet, as well as facial veins).
New developments in laser technologies has made this more successful than a few years ago. What if I experience a problem after receiving Sclerotherapy?
If you notice any type of adverse reaction, please call your doctor immediately. |